First Ladies Forum: Jacqueline Kennedy

First Ladies Forum: Jacqueline Kennedy

Meet former First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in this fascinating first-person performance by Leslie Goddard. It is 1964, and the former first lady, besieged by tourists and paparazzi, is struggling to cope. Attempting to determine her next step, she reviews her life, sharing stories about her marriage, her fight for privacy amidst intense media scrutiny, her work to restore the White House, and her attempts to showcase the arts. She reflects on her feelings about becoming a politician’s wife, her struggle for privacy amidst intense media scrutiny, her work to showcase history and the arts in the White House, and, finally, how her husband’s assassination changed her life forever. As she gradually opens up, you will meet the private woman behind the public myth.

Goddard is an actress and historian who has been portraying famous women in history for more than 10 years. She has both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in theater, and she earned a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. She currently works full-time as a historical interpreter and public speaker.

This program is the final installment of the First Ladies Forum, a four-part series, each featuring a different First Lady re-enacted by a renowned portrayal artist. These First Ladies include Dolley Madison (January 26), Louisa Catherine Adams (February 23), Mary Todd Lincoln (March 23), and Jacqueline Kennedy (April 27).

Beginning December 23, registration for this program can be completed below. You may also register by calling 309.590.6168 or by visiting the Adult Services Desk at the Library and registering in person. As soon as registration is complete, you will receive an email with a link to access the online discussion.